Etymology Map
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Sponsor

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person or company that supports an event, usually financially

Where does the word "sponsor" come from? It comes from Latin sponsor, adopted directly into English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
sponsor
Latin · ancient
"guarantor"
from 'spondere', to promise solemnly; the same root as 'spouse'
2
Stage 2 of 2
sponsor
English · 1650s
"a supporter"
a godparent at baptism; radio advertisers took it up in the 1930s
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Sponsor’s story begins in Latin: sponsor meant “guarantor.” From 'spondere', to promise solemnly; the same root as 'spouse'. It reached English by 1650s as sponsor. A godparent at baptism; radio advertisers took it up in the 1930s. Today, sponsor means a person or company that supports an event, usually financially.